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Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of First Trimester Contingent Test for Down ’ S Syndrome Screening

Journal of Evolution of medical and Dental Sciences, 2015

Down's syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder among children. There are various screeni... more Down's syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder among children. There are various screening strategies to detect Down ' s syndrome antenatally, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. Much research is being carried out to improve the detection rate, lower the false positive rate and to make it more cost effective. The emphasis is on first trimester screening as it allows us to reassure the majority of patient's early on in pregnancy and allows the patient to take an early decision regarding continuation of pregnancy. The gold standard of first trimester screening is the 'combined test'. Combined test involves measurement of Nuchal Translucency (NT) in all cases, and is difficult to implement in a developing country like India. Our study on first trimester 'contingent screening' showed that NT was required in 22% cases only, and the overall detection rate and the false positive rate were comparable to combined screening. Furthermore, this screening strategy is cost effective and will be easier to implement in our country. The study is being continued to include larger number of patients to evaluate the outcome analysis data more accurately.

Research paper thumbnail of Down s syndrome, contingent test, screening

Research paper thumbnail of Multifetal Pregnancy Reduction in Quadruplets: Perinatal Outcome—Analysis of 20 Consecutive Cases

Journal of Fetal Medicine, 2021

High order multiple pregnancy (HOMP) is defined as presence of three or more fetuses in utero. Th... more High order multiple pregnancy (HOMP) is defined as presence of three or more fetuses in utero. These pregnancies are often met with increased maternal and perinatal complications. The incidence of HOMP has been rising considerably with increasing usage of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) is a standard procedure aimed to minimise maternal–fetal complications by converting high order multiples into twins or singletons. While the procedure has been well researched in triplets, literature is sparse for quadruplets. This is a case series of 20 consecutive cases of MFPR followed up till delivery. All procedures were performed between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation (mean 11.9+/− 0.94) in a dedicated fetal medicine unit by a single operator through transabdominal route. The primary outcome measure was to assess procedure related miscarriage. The study also looked at neonatal outcomes at delivery and various maternal complications like antepartum he...

Research paper thumbnail of Down s syndrome, contingent test, screening

Research paper thumbnail of Multifetal Pregnancy Reduction

Research paper thumbnail of Maternal and neonatal outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus

To describe maternal complications and neonatal outcomes caused by gestational diabetes mellitus ... more To describe maternal complications and neonatal outcomes caused by gestational diabetes mellitus a descriptive observational study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratisthan and Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences, Kolkata, over a period of one year from July 2009 to June 2010. Women diagnosed by oral glucose tolerance test as gestational diabetes mellitus were enrolled as study subjects and were followed regularly at outpatient department. Blood glucose levels controlled by diet or with insulin. Foetal well-being was assessed by ultrasonography, foetal kick count and cardiotocography. Time and mode of delivery were decided on admission depending upon the complications encountered. Intrapartum blood glucose level was monitored and foetal monitoring was done. After delivery all the babies were assessed by the paediatrician. After discharge patients were advised oral glucose tolerance test at 6 weeks postpartum. Out of 64...

Research paper thumbnail of Profile of beta-thalassemia in eastern India and its prenatal diagnosis

OBJECTIVE To control the birth of thalassemic children in India. METHODS Mutations present in the... more OBJECTIVE To control the birth of thalassemic children in India. METHODS Mutations present in the population of eastern India and in carrier parents seeking prenatal diagnosis were detected by the PCR-based technique of ARMS (amplification refractory mutation system) or gap-PCR. To screen for maternal tissue contamination in CVS, haplotypes associated with the beta-globin gene clusters were constructed using six polymorphic restriction sites. Prenatal diagnosis was accomplished by checking presence of parental mutation in the DNA from chorionic villus sampling (CVS) collected at 8 to 10 weeks' gestation by appropriate technique. RESULTS Six hundred and fifty (650) unrelated beta-thalassemia chromosomes were screened for 11 common mutations to characterize the mutation distribution in this population. Starting from early 2000, 63 families from different parts of West Bengal and from surrounding areas have been offered prenatal counseling for beta-thalassemia. CONCLUSION The popul...

Research paper thumbnail of Quantitative fluorescent PCR (QF-PCR) for prenatal diagnosis of fetal aneuploidy: Indian experience

Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research

Introduction: Prenatal diagnosis of fetal chromosomal aneuploidies has traditionally relied on cy... more Introduction: Prenatal diagnosis of fetal chromosomal aneuploidies has traditionally relied on cytogenetics. In recent times QF-PCR, to detect the common aneuploidies has been reported. In view of the paucity of Indian experience regarding QF-PCR, we present prospective data from our centre. Materials and Methods: 572 AF samples were collected from Indian women with singleton pregnancy between 16-20 weeks gestation after counselling. The samples were collected over one year and followed up till delivery. AF was sent for QF-PCR for chromosomes 13, 18, 21 and 23. Results: There was no procedure related miscarriage, or IUFD. There were seventeen trisomy 21, two 47XXX and one 47XXY. All pregnancies with fetal aneuploidies underwent termination. All 552/572 women with normal report were followed up and none had IUFD or clinical features of trisomy 21 after term or preterm births. Discussion: The current study stresses the clinical importance of shorter TAT advantage and the slight cost advantage of QF-PCR over FISH. The current study shows QF-PCR is a satisfactory method for diagnosing chromosomal aneuploidy from amniotic fluid in screen positive population, has advantages and might be preferred more in near future in place of FISH, especially in the scenario of increasing awareness of biochemical screening for chromosomal aneuploidies in India. However, more such studies with increased numbers and in multiple pregnancies are required. The current study is ongoing and hopefully we will be able to present such data soon.

Research paper thumbnail of English

Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Multifetal Pregnancy Reduction in Quadruplets: Perinatal Outcome—Analysis of 20 Consecutive Cases

Journal of Fetal Medicine, 2021

High order multiple pregnancy (HOMP) is defined as presence of three or more fetuses in utero. Th... more High order multiple pregnancy (HOMP) is defined as presence of three or more fetuses in utero. These pregnancies are often met with increased maternal and perinatal complications. The incidence of HOMP has been rising considerably with increasing usage of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) is a standard procedure aimed to minimise maternal–fetal complications by converting high order multiples into twins or singletons. While the procedure has been well researched in triplets, literature is sparse for quadruplets. This is a case series of 20 consecutive cases of MFPR followed up till delivery. All procedures were performed between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation (mean 11.9+/− 0.94) in a dedicated fetal medicine unit by a single operator through transabdominal route. The primary outcome measure was to assess procedure related miscarriage. The study also looked at neonatal outcomes at delivery and various maternal complications like antepartum he...

Research paper thumbnail of Isolated levocardia- a rare fetal anomaly with successful pregnancy outcome

Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research

Situs abnormality in fetus is rare. Most of the time an abnormal situs is associated with a struc... more Situs abnormality in fetus is rare. Most of the time an abnormal situs is associated with a structural cardiac abnormality and abnormal arrangement of lungs and abdominal viscera. Cardiac situs almost always correlates with visceral situs. Here we report a fetus with reversed abdominal situs in presence of normal cardiac situs, connection and function with successful delivery at term. This is first report of such anomaly in fetus from India.

Research paper thumbnail of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Training: A Well-grounded Approach for Safeguarding Two Generations

Indian journal of endocrinology and metabolism

Research paper thumbnail of Maternal and neonatal outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus

Journal of the Indian Medical Association, 2013

To describe maternal complications and neonatal outcomes caused by gestational diabetes mellitus ... more To describe maternal complications and neonatal outcomes caused by gestational diabetes mellitus a descriptive observational study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratisthan and Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences, Kolkata, over a period of one year from July 2009 to June 2010. Women diagnosed by oral glucose tolerance test as gestational diabetes mellitus were enrolled as study subjects and were followed regularly at outpatient department. Blood glucose levels controlled by diet or with insulin. Foetal well-being was assessed by ultrasonography, foetal kick count and cardiotocography. Time and mode of delivery were decided on admission depending upon the complications encountered. Intrapartum blood glucose level was monitored and foetal monitoring was done. After delivery all the babies were assessed by the paediatrician. After discharge patients were advised oral glucose tolerance test at 6 weeks postpartum. Out of 64...

Research paper thumbnail of Asymptomatic Salpingitis in Intrauterine Contraceptive Device Users

Asia-Oceania Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 1989

Serial histological sections of the fallopian tubes of 50 asymptomatic subjects undergoing volunt... more Serial histological sections of the fallopian tubes of 50 asymptomatic subjects undergoing voluntary tubal ligation were evaluated for morphological evidence of inflammation. Twenty-five subjects had history of IUD use (the study group) and the rest 25 had never used a device (the control group). Evidence of inflammation was found in 11 out of 25 subjects in the IUD users compared to only 2 out of 25 subjects in the non-users (p<O.OOl). The relative risk was 5.5 times. Both acute and chronic inflammation of the oviducts were observed more often in the IUD users, though clinically and at surgery there was no apparent evidence of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Research paper thumbnail of Asymptomatic salpingitis in intrauterine contraceptive device users

Asia-Oceania journal of obstetrics and gynaecology / AOFOG, 1989

Serial histological sections of the fallopian tubes of 50 asymptomatic subjects undergoing volunt... more Serial histological sections of the fallopian tubes of 50 asymptomatic subjects undergoing voluntary tubal ligation were evaluated for morphological evidence of inflammation. Twenty-five subjects had history of IUD use (the study group) and the rest 25 had never used a device (the control group). Evidence of inflammation was found in 11 out of 25 subjects in the IUD users compared to only 2 out of 25 subjects in the non-users (p less than 0.001). The relative risk was 5.5 times. Both acute and chronic inflammation of the oviducts were observed more often in the IUD users, though clinically and at surgery there was no apparent evidence of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Research paper thumbnail of The perinatal aspects of pulmonary tuberculosis

Fetal and Maternal Medicine Review, 1996

Research paper thumbnail of Profile of ?-thalassemia in eastern India and its prenatal diagnosis

Prenatal Diagnosis, 2004

ObjectiveTo control the birth of thalassemic children in India.To control the birth of thalassemi... more ObjectiveTo control the birth of thalassemic children in India.To control the birth of thalassemic children in India.MethodsMutations present in the population of eastern India and in carrier parents seeking prenatal diagnosis were detected by the PCR-based technique of ARMS (amplification refractory mutation system) or gap-PCR. To screen for maternal tissue contamination in CVS, haplotypes associated with the β-globin gene clusters were constructed using six polymorphic restriction sites. Prenatal diagnosis was accomplished by checking presence of parental mutation in the DNA from chorionic villus sampling (CVS) collected at 8 to 10 weeks' gestation by appropriate technique.Mutations present in the population of eastern India and in carrier parents seeking prenatal diagnosis were detected by the PCR-based technique of ARMS (amplification refractory mutation system) or gap-PCR. To screen for maternal tissue contamination in CVS, haplotypes associated with the β-globin gene clusters were constructed using six polymorphic restriction sites. Prenatal diagnosis was accomplished by checking presence of parental mutation in the DNA from chorionic villus sampling (CVS) collected at 8 to 10 weeks' gestation by appropriate technique.ResultsSix hundred and fifty (650) unrelated β-thalassemia chromosomes were screened for 11 common mutations to characterize the mutation distribution in this population. Starting from early 2000, 63 families from different parts of West Bengal and from surrounding areas have been offered prenatal counseling for β-thalassemia.Six hundred and fifty (650) unrelated β-thalassemia chromosomes were screened for 11 common mutations to characterize the mutation distribution in this population. Starting from early 2000, 63 families from different parts of West Bengal and from surrounding areas have been offered prenatal counseling for β-thalassemia.ConclusionThe population of this region is conscious and willing to accept prenatal diagnosis as a means of control of thalassemia. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.The population of this region is conscious and willing to accept prenatal diagnosis as a means of control of thalassemia. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of First Trimester Contingent Test for Down ’ S Syndrome Screening

Journal of Evolution of medical and Dental Sciences, 2015

Down's syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder among children. There are various screeni... more Down's syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder among children. There are various screening strategies to detect Down ' s syndrome antenatally, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. Much research is being carried out to improve the detection rate, lower the false positive rate and to make it more cost effective. The emphasis is on first trimester screening as it allows us to reassure the majority of patient's early on in pregnancy and allows the patient to take an early decision regarding continuation of pregnancy. The gold standard of first trimester screening is the 'combined test'. Combined test involves measurement of Nuchal Translucency (NT) in all cases, and is difficult to implement in a developing country like India. Our study on first trimester 'contingent screening' showed that NT was required in 22% cases only, and the overall detection rate and the false positive rate were comparable to combined screening. Furthermore, this screening strategy is cost effective and will be easier to implement in our country. The study is being continued to include larger number of patients to evaluate the outcome analysis data more accurately.

Research paper thumbnail of Down s syndrome, contingent test, screening

Research paper thumbnail of Multifetal Pregnancy Reduction in Quadruplets: Perinatal Outcome—Analysis of 20 Consecutive Cases

Journal of Fetal Medicine, 2021

High order multiple pregnancy (HOMP) is defined as presence of three or more fetuses in utero. Th... more High order multiple pregnancy (HOMP) is defined as presence of three or more fetuses in utero. These pregnancies are often met with increased maternal and perinatal complications. The incidence of HOMP has been rising considerably with increasing usage of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) is a standard procedure aimed to minimise maternal–fetal complications by converting high order multiples into twins or singletons. While the procedure has been well researched in triplets, literature is sparse for quadruplets. This is a case series of 20 consecutive cases of MFPR followed up till delivery. All procedures were performed between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation (mean 11.9+/− 0.94) in a dedicated fetal medicine unit by a single operator through transabdominal route. The primary outcome measure was to assess procedure related miscarriage. The study also looked at neonatal outcomes at delivery and various maternal complications like antepartum he...

Research paper thumbnail of Down s syndrome, contingent test, screening

Research paper thumbnail of Multifetal Pregnancy Reduction

Research paper thumbnail of Maternal and neonatal outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus

To describe maternal complications and neonatal outcomes caused by gestational diabetes mellitus ... more To describe maternal complications and neonatal outcomes caused by gestational diabetes mellitus a descriptive observational study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratisthan and Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences, Kolkata, over a period of one year from July 2009 to June 2010. Women diagnosed by oral glucose tolerance test as gestational diabetes mellitus were enrolled as study subjects and were followed regularly at outpatient department. Blood glucose levels controlled by diet or with insulin. Foetal well-being was assessed by ultrasonography, foetal kick count and cardiotocography. Time and mode of delivery were decided on admission depending upon the complications encountered. Intrapartum blood glucose level was monitored and foetal monitoring was done. After delivery all the babies were assessed by the paediatrician. After discharge patients were advised oral glucose tolerance test at 6 weeks postpartum. Out of 64...

Research paper thumbnail of Profile of beta-thalassemia in eastern India and its prenatal diagnosis

OBJECTIVE To control the birth of thalassemic children in India. METHODS Mutations present in the... more OBJECTIVE To control the birth of thalassemic children in India. METHODS Mutations present in the population of eastern India and in carrier parents seeking prenatal diagnosis were detected by the PCR-based technique of ARMS (amplification refractory mutation system) or gap-PCR. To screen for maternal tissue contamination in CVS, haplotypes associated with the beta-globin gene clusters were constructed using six polymorphic restriction sites. Prenatal diagnosis was accomplished by checking presence of parental mutation in the DNA from chorionic villus sampling (CVS) collected at 8 to 10 weeks' gestation by appropriate technique. RESULTS Six hundred and fifty (650) unrelated beta-thalassemia chromosomes were screened for 11 common mutations to characterize the mutation distribution in this population. Starting from early 2000, 63 families from different parts of West Bengal and from surrounding areas have been offered prenatal counseling for beta-thalassemia. CONCLUSION The popul...

Research paper thumbnail of Quantitative fluorescent PCR (QF-PCR) for prenatal diagnosis of fetal aneuploidy: Indian experience

Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research

Introduction: Prenatal diagnosis of fetal chromosomal aneuploidies has traditionally relied on cy... more Introduction: Prenatal diagnosis of fetal chromosomal aneuploidies has traditionally relied on cytogenetics. In recent times QF-PCR, to detect the common aneuploidies has been reported. In view of the paucity of Indian experience regarding QF-PCR, we present prospective data from our centre. Materials and Methods: 572 AF samples were collected from Indian women with singleton pregnancy between 16-20 weeks gestation after counselling. The samples were collected over one year and followed up till delivery. AF was sent for QF-PCR for chromosomes 13, 18, 21 and 23. Results: There was no procedure related miscarriage, or IUFD. There were seventeen trisomy 21, two 47XXX and one 47XXY. All pregnancies with fetal aneuploidies underwent termination. All 552/572 women with normal report were followed up and none had IUFD or clinical features of trisomy 21 after term or preterm births. Discussion: The current study stresses the clinical importance of shorter TAT advantage and the slight cost advantage of QF-PCR over FISH. The current study shows QF-PCR is a satisfactory method for diagnosing chromosomal aneuploidy from amniotic fluid in screen positive population, has advantages and might be preferred more in near future in place of FISH, especially in the scenario of increasing awareness of biochemical screening for chromosomal aneuploidies in India. However, more such studies with increased numbers and in multiple pregnancies are required. The current study is ongoing and hopefully we will be able to present such data soon.

Research paper thumbnail of English

Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Multifetal Pregnancy Reduction in Quadruplets: Perinatal Outcome—Analysis of 20 Consecutive Cases

Journal of Fetal Medicine, 2021

High order multiple pregnancy (HOMP) is defined as presence of three or more fetuses in utero. Th... more High order multiple pregnancy (HOMP) is defined as presence of three or more fetuses in utero. These pregnancies are often met with increased maternal and perinatal complications. The incidence of HOMP has been rising considerably with increasing usage of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) is a standard procedure aimed to minimise maternal–fetal complications by converting high order multiples into twins or singletons. While the procedure has been well researched in triplets, literature is sparse for quadruplets. This is a case series of 20 consecutive cases of MFPR followed up till delivery. All procedures were performed between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation (mean 11.9+/− 0.94) in a dedicated fetal medicine unit by a single operator through transabdominal route. The primary outcome measure was to assess procedure related miscarriage. The study also looked at neonatal outcomes at delivery and various maternal complications like antepartum he...

Research paper thumbnail of Isolated levocardia- a rare fetal anomaly with successful pregnancy outcome

Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research

Situs abnormality in fetus is rare. Most of the time an abnormal situs is associated with a struc... more Situs abnormality in fetus is rare. Most of the time an abnormal situs is associated with a structural cardiac abnormality and abnormal arrangement of lungs and abdominal viscera. Cardiac situs almost always correlates with visceral situs. Here we report a fetus with reversed abdominal situs in presence of normal cardiac situs, connection and function with successful delivery at term. This is first report of such anomaly in fetus from India.

Research paper thumbnail of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Training: A Well-grounded Approach for Safeguarding Two Generations

Indian journal of endocrinology and metabolism

Research paper thumbnail of Maternal and neonatal outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus

Journal of the Indian Medical Association, 2013

To describe maternal complications and neonatal outcomes caused by gestational diabetes mellitus ... more To describe maternal complications and neonatal outcomes caused by gestational diabetes mellitus a descriptive observational study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratisthan and Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences, Kolkata, over a period of one year from July 2009 to June 2010. Women diagnosed by oral glucose tolerance test as gestational diabetes mellitus were enrolled as study subjects and were followed regularly at outpatient department. Blood glucose levels controlled by diet or with insulin. Foetal well-being was assessed by ultrasonography, foetal kick count and cardiotocography. Time and mode of delivery were decided on admission depending upon the complications encountered. Intrapartum blood glucose level was monitored and foetal monitoring was done. After delivery all the babies were assessed by the paediatrician. After discharge patients were advised oral glucose tolerance test at 6 weeks postpartum. Out of 64...

Research paper thumbnail of Asymptomatic Salpingitis in Intrauterine Contraceptive Device Users

Asia-Oceania Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 1989

Serial histological sections of the fallopian tubes of 50 asymptomatic subjects undergoing volunt... more Serial histological sections of the fallopian tubes of 50 asymptomatic subjects undergoing voluntary tubal ligation were evaluated for morphological evidence of inflammation. Twenty-five subjects had history of IUD use (the study group) and the rest 25 had never used a device (the control group). Evidence of inflammation was found in 11 out of 25 subjects in the IUD users compared to only 2 out of 25 subjects in the non-users (p<O.OOl). The relative risk was 5.5 times. Both acute and chronic inflammation of the oviducts were observed more often in the IUD users, though clinically and at surgery there was no apparent evidence of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Research paper thumbnail of Asymptomatic salpingitis in intrauterine contraceptive device users

Asia-Oceania journal of obstetrics and gynaecology / AOFOG, 1989

Serial histological sections of the fallopian tubes of 50 asymptomatic subjects undergoing volunt... more Serial histological sections of the fallopian tubes of 50 asymptomatic subjects undergoing voluntary tubal ligation were evaluated for morphological evidence of inflammation. Twenty-five subjects had history of IUD use (the study group) and the rest 25 had never used a device (the control group). Evidence of inflammation was found in 11 out of 25 subjects in the IUD users compared to only 2 out of 25 subjects in the non-users (p less than 0.001). The relative risk was 5.5 times. Both acute and chronic inflammation of the oviducts were observed more often in the IUD users, though clinically and at surgery there was no apparent evidence of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Research paper thumbnail of The perinatal aspects of pulmonary tuberculosis

Fetal and Maternal Medicine Review, 1996

Research paper thumbnail of Profile of ?-thalassemia in eastern India and its prenatal diagnosis

Prenatal Diagnosis, 2004

ObjectiveTo control the birth of thalassemic children in India.To control the birth of thalassemi... more ObjectiveTo control the birth of thalassemic children in India.To control the birth of thalassemic children in India.MethodsMutations present in the population of eastern India and in carrier parents seeking prenatal diagnosis were detected by the PCR-based technique of ARMS (amplification refractory mutation system) or gap-PCR. To screen for maternal tissue contamination in CVS, haplotypes associated with the β-globin gene clusters were constructed using six polymorphic restriction sites. Prenatal diagnosis was accomplished by checking presence of parental mutation in the DNA from chorionic villus sampling (CVS) collected at 8 to 10 weeks' gestation by appropriate technique.Mutations present in the population of eastern India and in carrier parents seeking prenatal diagnosis were detected by the PCR-based technique of ARMS (amplification refractory mutation system) or gap-PCR. To screen for maternal tissue contamination in CVS, haplotypes associated with the β-globin gene clusters were constructed using six polymorphic restriction sites. Prenatal diagnosis was accomplished by checking presence of parental mutation in the DNA from chorionic villus sampling (CVS) collected at 8 to 10 weeks' gestation by appropriate technique.ResultsSix hundred and fifty (650) unrelated β-thalassemia chromosomes were screened for 11 common mutations to characterize the mutation distribution in this population. Starting from early 2000, 63 families from different parts of West Bengal and from surrounding areas have been offered prenatal counseling for β-thalassemia.Six hundred and fifty (650) unrelated β-thalassemia chromosomes were screened for 11 common mutations to characterize the mutation distribution in this population. Starting from early 2000, 63 families from different parts of West Bengal and from surrounding areas have been offered prenatal counseling for β-thalassemia.ConclusionThe population of this region is conscious and willing to accept prenatal diagnosis as a means of control of thalassemia. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.The population of this region is conscious and willing to accept prenatal diagnosis as a means of control of thalassemia. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.